Tenn. Code § 38-7-102
The department of health is authorized and empowered to create and maintain a post-mortem examination division or service. The division or service shall have as its functions the investigation of certain deaths as defined in this part, and the keeping of full and complete records of all reports on investigations and examinations made pursuant to this part. The commissioner of health, acting for the state and with the approval of the governor and considering the recommendation made by the Tennessee medical examiner advisory council, shall appoint a chief medical examiner to direct the division or service, and such other personnel as the commissioner may find appropriate to the enforcement of the duties and powers of this part. The commissioner is authorized and empowered to spend such funds as may be appropriated for the enforcement of this part, and to promulgate rules through the department of health to establish fees for autopsies, guidelines for death investigations and forensic autopsies, and other costs and services associated with this part.
T.C.A. § 38-7-102